When you arrive at the jail, you will likely first be in awe at the sheer size of the place. Then you will feel the surprise that most feel on arrival, surprise that the place is actually really rather beautiful considering it’s previous role.

When you first drive through the archway, you will see a small car park. Don’t panic if this one is full, as you only have to drive straight on and around to the left to find the bigger car park.

The next part is something that confuses some visitors, and is something that is on the list of future improvements that everyone at the jail are very excited about. The confusing comes with knowing where to enter and where to pay for entry to the jail.

If you see the photo above, that beautiful doorway is where you enter, and at the moment you turn right once you enter and go into the bar area. Pop to the bar and someone will sort your entrance to the jail – cards are accepted. If you don’t actually want to go in to the jail, or any members of your party don’t, the bar and restaurant area is very comfortable for whiling away some time enjoying a drink – tea, coffee, something stronger, it’s entirely your choice.

Depending on the time you arrive, you may even want to eat before going in to the jail, or just come for a meal the restaurant is open to non jail visitors as well. There is a nice varied menu with options for everyone – feel free to ring the very friendly staff if you have any queries about the menu or concerns about dietary requirements. At busier times, it may be a good idea to ring and pre-book a table just in case.

TIP: Don’t forget to check the specials board for even more options!

The jail itself can be very cold, so wrap up warm and sensible shoes are a good idea as there are steep steps. With this in mind unfortunately wheelchairs and pushchairs aren’t able to go into the jail. Working with an old building regrettably, this isn’t something that can be helped. So if you have a baby coming with you, don’t forget the baby carrier or sling!

A member of staff will show you where to go to get in to the jail, there are toilets just beside the entrance as well handily. Once you enter the jail, the yellow line on the floor will get you started on where to go.

Now we won’t spoil it by telling you too much about exactly what you’ll see, but there will obviously be cells to look in, plus stocks to find to put anyone naughty in your party within, mannequins showing you the crimes of people previously sentenced to spend time behind the grand walls of the jail and a wealth of information to read.

When you find the stocks, why not take a photo for social media posted with a #BodminJail to show us! IN fact feel free to share any images with us, we may even share some of the best ones on the Bodmin Jail Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

The jail is widely reported to be haunted, if you have a spooky encounter whilst visiting or ever have, then we’d love to hear about it!

Although the main gates are locked at around 11.30 p.m., we cannot accept any responsibility for the loss of valuable items left in vehicles on the premises.

This entire web site is for general information and illustration only. No part of it constitutes an offer or contract. Nothing is binding on any party. Any product or service can be altered or withdrawn at any time without notice. For further information or clarification, please call the Jail on 01208 76292